Public health advocates around the world want Facebook to scrap its plans for Instagram for children. The tech giant had plans to launch a version of the social media platform for children under the legal age to join Instagram.
Campaign for a Commercial-free Childhood sent a letter addressed to Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg to voice their concerns. They claimed that the “image-obsessed” platform is dangerous for children’s health and privacy. This was signed by 99 groups and individuals, including experts from the Electronic Privacy Information Center, Global Action Plan and Kidscape.
Facebook, the owner of Instagram, said the site would be “managed by parents”. They understand that children are already online. Youngsters want to connect with friends and family, have fun, and learn. The social media giant aimed to provide them with a safe and age appropriate platform to do so. And to find a practical solution to the issue of kids lying about their age to access apps.
All social media platforms are under growing pressure to find ways to prevent children under 13 joining. Facebook is working on new age verification methods to keep young children off Instagram. This has led to them starting to explore a version of the photo sharing app specifically appropriate for children, to be managed by parents.
The company agree that anything they develop must prioritise the safety and privacy of children. They intend to consult with experts in child development, child safety and mental health. In addition, they plan to gain information from privacy advocates. Also, adverts will not be shown in any Instagram experience developed for under 13s.
The worst app for children
The signatories in the letter point out that those aged under 13 who already use Instagram, are unlikely to leave for a “new site that seems babyish”. They fear Instagram for kids will end up targeting much younger children.
Executive director of Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, Josh Golin, says Instagram’s business model relies on extensive data collection. This maximises time spent on devices, and promotes a culture of over-sharing and idolisation of influencers. The app also has a focus on photographs and images, often with altered physical appearance. He claims this is “certainly not appropriate for seven-year olds.”
Facebook claim that the creation of an Instagram for kids will help keep them safe on the platform. But the firm’s real goal is to extend its lucrative and profitable Instagram franchise to an even younger audience. This will introduce children to a powerful commercialised social media environment that poses serious threats to their privacy, health and wellbeing.
According to research from the The Royal Society for Public Health, Instagram is rated as the worst social media platform for youth mental health. Claims are that the app is linked to an increased risk of eating disorders, sexual grooming and cyber bullying.
Self-image
Instagram’s focus on photo sharing and appearance means the platform is particularly unsuitable for children. Young people are in the midst of crucial stages of development and finding their own sense of identity.
Children and teens, especially girls, have learned to relate sexualised, edited photos of themselves with receiving more attention. This makes them feel more popular among their peers.
There is also unnecessary commercial pressure on children as analysis suggests one in every three Instagram posts is an advert. The platform also faces a lot of criticism for not making it clear enough when a post is a paid-for ad.
Facebook has “a long track record of exploiting young people”, for example a flaw in Messenger Kids which permitted children to circumvent parental controls.
However, Facebook is not the only social media platform in trouble for the way it treats young people. YouTube kids came under fire for “smuggling in ads”, and claims have been made against TikTok for violating children’s privacy under GDPR rules.
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